Budget time tough

Floyd County Supervisors are expected to follow their regularly-scheduled first meeting of the month Tuesday with a budget work session that should reveal a little of what our local government will need to meet and pay expenses for the new fiscal year that begins on July 1.

A requests for budget increases come in from several county departments — including the school system, sheriff’s office and commonwealth’s attorney — the county will face the very real need to raise taxes on property owners and look for other ways to enhance revenue.

Like many cash-strapped county residents, Floyd’s government lives literally from paycheck to paycheck and those checks only come in twice a year when real estate taxes come due and officials keep a line of credit on hand to help cover expenses until taxes can be collected.

With the school system taking two-thirds of the budget and rising crime rates and increased court days stressing the costs of law enforcement in the county, the board of supervisors faces tough decisions on deciding what to approve in the budget requests and how to pay for what is finally approved.

Currently, it takes a little over $30 million a year to run the government, school system and related functions in Floyd County. The county’s current tax rates are among the lowest in Virginia, but they may have to change when it comes time to make the tough decisions.

New River Valley Community Action presents budget request at the February board meeting.